What You Need to Set Up a Complete Outdoor Kitchen

A well-built deck can be a highly enjoyable outdoor space. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the evening air, entertain friends and experience total relaxation. Adding an outdoor kitchen can take that enjoyment to a new level. Being able to cook and serve right where the party is going on includes everyone in the fun.

 

There are several elements that your contractor can include in a complete outdoor kitchen. They can be broken down into three main categories – workspace and storage, cooking components and preparation and cleanup.

 

Workspace and Storage

You will need good countertop space, but they need to be weatherproof as well as durable. Such surfaces could include concrete, granite, or stainless steel. A butcher-block insert is helpful as well.

 

Adding a couple of cabinets and a few drawers will provide you with a place to keep towels, hot pads, utensils and outdoor cookware. Self-closing units are convenience when your hands are full. Rollout shelves make it easier to deal with heavy items.

 

An outdoor refrigerator is a necessity as well. It will save you having to run back and forth to the fridge in the house.

 

Cooking Components

A cooktop with burners lets you make barbecue sauces, cook vegetables or anything else you would cook on a traditional stovetop. Ask your home improvement professional to help you Incorporate an interchangeable gas grill and griddle combination to cook everything from burgers to pancakes and bacon. Add a gas oven to roast meats or bake crowd-pleasing breads and desserts.

 

Preparation and cleanup

Washing vegetables or making your favorite lemonade require a water source, so install a sink. Choose an oversized sink with a gooseneck faucet to accommodate larger pots and add a food disposer to help prevent clogged drains.

 

Go for quality where possible and move beyond the portable covered gas grill on wheels, although you may still want to get one of those as well. Adding all of the elements for a complete outdoor kitchen will add years of enjoyment and value to your home.